Utilizing your basement is a great way to increase the usable space in your home. It can be as good of a living space as other rooms that are above the surface. However, one thing is sure, making changes and making renovations in the basement isn’t that easy.
Basement remodeling is different because of its location. If you miss something, then it is very difficult and expensive to make up for it. That is why you should be aware of all the important things before you start your project.
In this article, we will discuss some of the most important Do’s and Don’ts that you must follow to get a perfect basement. So, without further ado, let’s start with the Do’s.
Things you should do.
- Check for leakages
Many underground water connections are running through our basements. Also, there are water connections in the ceiling of the basements. It’s a place that has the most chance of getting a leak.
On top of that, if there’s a potential leak that goes unchecked, it can create havoc once the remodeling project is completed. Basements have comparatively less ventilation. It will be very difficult to remove all that moisture from the basement. Always make sure that there are no leakages. You can use moisture meters to detect any unseen leaks or can even hire a professional plumber to perform a thorough inspection.
- Choose ideal flooring
Not all flooring is meant for basements. It also depends on what type of subfloor you have in your basement. If it’s a plain concrete slab then you can’t get a hardwood or engineered hardwood floor. These floors can get damaged with the slighted water content. You can go with synthetic floors like laminate floors, vinyl floors, or epoxy floors.
In our opinion, epoxy floors are ideal to use in basements. It’s in a liquid form that is poured on the floor and then it hardens. This liquid state allows it to cover all the crevices and cracks which makes your basement more water resistant.
- Use creativity to cover basement components
Basements are designed to contain many functional components of your home that are not pleasant to our eyes. It contains boilers, storage areas, visible ductwork, pipes, and more.
Use your creativity to cover up these components and integrate them with the overall design. Instead of going for a full drop ceiling, you can go for beautifully designed soffits and tray ceilings. You can also use fake beams to cover them up. You can also search online for basement renovation ideas and it will open up your mind to a lot of possibilities. If nothing else works, you can get a designer to help cover these components.
- Perform safety tests
If you have an old house and want to use its basement, then it’s extremely important to get the following 2 tests. Lead test and Asbestos test. You might not have heard of these before. Both these are harmful materials that were used normally in old houses, a few years ago. Lead was extensively used in paints and Asbestos was used in many things including insulations.
Another test you should get regardless if your house is old or new is the Radon test. Radon is a toxic gas that is created underneath the ground and rises to fill homes. Your basement will be the first area to get affected by it.
- Waterproof your basement
Ensuring no leaks is not enough. You have to make sure that your basement is also waterproof. It will protect your foundations in the long run and will increase the overall lifespan of your home.
The best way to do it is to get a waterproof coating. There are many quality options available in the market. From sprays to liquid coatings, you will be able to find the one that suits your needs while not increasing your overall basement remodeling cost.
Things that you shouldn’t do
basement remodeling
- Don’t neglect local regulations
Make sure that you don’t miss out on the local regulations regarding the remodeling of basements. You might just want to complete the project without following the building code, but it’s dangerous. These codes and regulations are there for your safety.
Also, if you don’t comply with the regulations, you can get heavy fines from the local authorities. Not to mention the embarrassment that comes with it. We cannot emphasize enough to follow these guidelines during the project.
- Don’t make changes midway
There might come a time during the project when you want to make some changes. This could be changing the placement of a fixture, changing the paint, or deciding to get a different type of flooring. These changes can result in improper functionality of some of the essential parts of your basement.
Even if you do make all the changes perfectly, it will drastically increase the overall cost of your project. So, make sure you plan everything in advance and just focus on completing the project instead of exploring more ideas online.
- Don’t be shy to use your imagination
Your basement is like a blank canvas that you can use to use your imagination and creativity. And the best thing about it is that not everyone has to look at what you come up with.
Basement is a place where you can experiment with different colors, themes, textures, and more. Visitors aren’t going to come downstairs to judge you on your design taste. So, make sure that you use the opportunity to create something unique.
- Don’t compromise on insulation
You might have heard that insulation provides a comfortable temperature, saves energy, increases durability, and things like that.
But do you know that it actually serves as a sound barrier? It can be the most private and peaceful place in your home.
Getting proper insulation will provide you with a warm and cozy environment. You can relax there without any disturbances. It can be your escape from your hectic routine and problems.
Conclusion:
These are some of the most important things that you should consider in your remodeling project. Keep in mind that there could be more things that need attention depending on the specific location of your home and the climate of your area. Apart, from all the above, you should make sure that the basement is fully ventilated. For that, you can hire a professional planner or remodeling expert. You can ask them to plan for you and try doing the minor tasks on your own.